Joy Reed
Mr. Jeffries and the Jilt (2003)
Author: Joy Reed
Genre (and subgenre): Romance (Regency)
Plot Summary:
Raymond Jeffries, wealthy and eligible, visits his aunt at the resort town of Shelton-on-Sea. As a member of the Jeffries family, he has a reputation for fastidiousness of taste and punctiliousness in behavior. Caroline Sedgewick, also staying at the resort town, is notorious as a jilt and a hussy, having broken off engagements with three different fiancés. While she ended each engagement on reasonable grounds, gossip flows freely about her past, making for an uncomfortable stay. This is further intensified by the presence of Mrs. Cullen, the mother of her third ex-fiancé, who is convinced that Caroline has grievously wronged her beloved son. Upon encountering Caroline, Raymond is struck by her lively personality and engaging manner. She remembers meeting him years earlier at her London Season; since then, she has quietly cherished an admiration and affection for him. Much to his own surprise, Raymond finds himself acting as her protector, particularly when her last fiancé persists in his attentions toward her. Raymond and Caroline find themselves falling in love, despite the threats posed by malicious gossip and Caroline’s damaged reputation.
Geographical Setting: Shelton-on-Sea, England
Time Period: Regency period (early 1800s)
Appeal Characteristics:
A slow-paced novel, with most of the focus on the interaction between characters. A large portion of the narrative is from the male lead’s perspective, which makes for an interesting read. The writing style is simple and elegant, using terminology and slang appropriate to the era without becoming tedious. The novel’s setting, in a fashionable seaside health resort, is a refreshing change from the typical Regency novels. The author takes pains to include the details of customs of the time, but not to the point of overwhelming the plot.
Similar Authors: Carola Dunn
Red Flags: A few mild curses, references to an illicit affair, and a brief fistfight.
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